Abstract: A zero-latency risk-management system and method useful in, for example, sponsored market access or in-house trades. The zero-latency risk-management system comprises an out-of-band risk monitor computer and a kill-switch. The kill-switch is in-line between order receipt and trade placement, but the out-of-band risk monitor computer operates in parallel with the order processing, thus eliminating latency in the trade. The out-of-band risk computer monitors orders as they flow through the system and updates any risk metrics based on those orders. Kill-switch threshold levels may be set in the risk computer to be, for example, the desired level of risk, minus the maximum amount of risk that a subsequent new order could incur. If the risk computer determines that an order has breached this kill-switch threshold, it activates the kill-switch to prevent additional order entry that could breach the actual threshold.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for executing a transaction relating to a first futures contract. The first futures contract involves a tradable asset, such as crude oil or another commodity, and a first contract price and a first settlement price expressed in a first currency, such as U.S. dollars. The first settlement price is updated on a periodic basis, typically daily. The method involves providing a second futures contract having an underlying instrument that includes the first futures contract. The second futures contract includes a second latest possible delivery date and a second contract price and a second settlement price that are denominated in a second currency. The second settlement price is updated periodically. A periodic mark-to-market operation credits or debits a buyer of the second futures contract based on the periodic update to the second settlement price.